Innehållsförteckning för Autumn Special 2017 från Chat Specials

If you like surprises, then you’re in for a treat this month. Hilli (pg31) thought of a perfect way to arrive at her wedding that would make her groom cry. And when Jodi’s daughter discovered a bite on her leg, they’d both get the shock of their lives when a spider crawled out! (pg12) The shock factor was something Giuliana and Paul (pg18) were going for when they planned their Halloween wedding. When you find out how they met, you’ll understand why! If you’re struggling with the colder weather, then spare a thought for Chelsea (pg61) . She’s a real life ice queen, complete with blue fingers. While lucky Kim (pg41) will always be warm with her furry ferrets to cuddle. We’ve been completely inspired by two amazing mums this…

I saw a lump behind her knee As I collected the empty dinner plates from the table, the sunlight streamed through the kitchen window. It seemed too nice an evening to sit inside watching TV. ‘Why don’t we go for a walk?’ said my partner Darren, 35. I fetched a light jacket for my daughter, Scarlett, eight, and son Jack, 10, and we set off with our little Jack Russell, Lewis. The five of us strolled round the woodland near our house in the evening sun. The kids found a tyre swing hanging from a tree to play on and afterwards we cooled off with an ice cream and a bowl of water for Lewis. When we arrived home, I bathed the kids and put them straight to bed. In…

As the guests walk in, they are greeted by a smoking witch’s cauldron, blood-splattered walls and life-sized skeleton props. But this isn’t a haunted house - it’s my wedding day. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d known I hadn’t wanted your run-of-the mill ‘fairytale’wedding. I’d spent my teen years working at wedding receptions and knew that wasn’t for me. Luckily my fiancé, Paul, wasn’t too struck on the fairytale idea either… Horror and gore has been something of a running theme throughout our relationship. We actually met when Paul interviewed me for a job at Blackpool’s Passage de Terror. I’d applied for the role of ‘Exorcist Girl’ at the Pleasure Beach attraction. It involved me screeching at visitors and shaking demonically on the bed. I got the job!…

He would force me to touch him The reign of terror lasted four years There was no escaping my sister, Jenny*, as she pinned me down to smother makeup all over my face. ‘There you go,’ she teased. ‘You look much prettier now.’ ‘Yuck,’ I grimaced, furiously wiping my cheeks. I was a six-year-old tomboy, so I absolutely hated blusher, lipstick and eyeshadow. Jenny, eight, and I shared a bedroom. She was a girly girl. While she was playing with dolls and dancing around, I’d be sat quietly with my head in a book. As well as Jenny and an older brother, Mark*, I had another sister – Sarah*. She was left terminally-disabled after she was born with a rare condition – called Cranio Cerebello Cardiac Syndrome. Sometimes she’d suffer…

Mostly A: Florence Nightingale This brave woman, known as ‘the lady with the lamp’, was the founder of modern nursing, managing the care of injured soldiers during the Crimean War. Like her, you are caring, loyal and loving. You are selfless and hard-working, and you always put others first. Mostly B: Amelia Earhart This aviation pioneer was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Like Amelia, you are a brave and headstrong woman. You live for adventure and are usually the first in your group to take the plunge into something new. You always have your eye on the prize. Mostly C: Coco Chanel This world-renowned icon was a French fashion designer and businesswoman, founder of the glamorous Chanel brand. Like Coco, you are stylish, classy, and…

It was the best gift ever Life has completely changed When a teacher asked at the school gates if my husband and I had split up, it was such a wake-up call. ‘The boys have said they only see their dad at the weekend,’ she told me, as I collected Kerr, 10, and Ryan, seven. I was mortified. My husband, Jamie, 33, and I were still very much together. But he was in the army and based in Edinburgh. It was almost 100 miles away from where we’d settled in Lochmaben, Scotland - so we lived apart. The arrangement was far from ideal, and the comment was the push I needed to quit my administration job at a hospital and finally unite my family. Jamie and the boys were thrilled…

The intelligent creatures stole my heart Walking around my estate, people stopped in their tracks. ‘Good evening!’ I said sweetly, strutting past proudly. Their jaws hung open. ‘Look at that lady’s dogs!’ a child squealed. Except they weren’t dogs… They were ferrets! I fell in love with ferrets aged six after seeing them on a farm. I soon learned they were loving, intelligent creatures who are very obedient. I warmed to them, but didn’t own one until age 38. My friend Terry bred them. And one of the babies in his latest breed despised him… but loved me! ‘I’ll take him,’ I said, as Blondie cuddled up. He stole my heart and left me devastated when he died four years later. I never forgot him. Even when I first met…

What’s in a name? The dictionary defines a sandwich as two pieces of bread with a filling between them. But there have been debates about what actually falls under this definition. For instance, is a burger a sandwich? Is a hotdog? A wrap or bap? Where do you stand on bagels, burritos, and paninis? There are all sorts of different types – from your dainty cucumber sandwich to the full-on open sandwich – the list is endless, and the debate continues… The proper way According to Etiquette Scholar (www.etiquettescholar.com), there are set rules of table manners surrounding the sandwich. For instance, small tea sandwiches, or any sandwich that is less than 2cm thick, must be eaten with fi ngers – hence the term ‘finger sandwiches’. Any sandwich thicker than 2cm…

Perfect dose With an array of medicines on the market, following prescriptions can be confusing. Well Pharmacist Nick Thayer shows us the signs of taking medication incorrectly: Expired medicines If your medication is going out of date before you use it, perhaps you are being prescribed more than you need and you may need to consult your GP. Missing doses If you are regularly forgetting to take your medication, you should see your GP. Often, different forms of medicine can be taken at different times, helping you fit your medicine regiment into your life. Headaches These are a common side effect of taking too many painkillers. You may need to reduce the amount you are taking or explore alternative pain relief methods. Feeling moody One in 20 women have Premenstrual…

Aries 21 Mar - 20 April Focus on partnerships and investments now, Aries. In the year ahead you can start to develop trust in your unions, taking those intimate bonds even further – just watch for power struggles November 19th. Focus on income, property and financial opportunities in general – think big, considering the lucrative possibilities! The 3rd shows your earnings or contribution. Taurus 21 April - 21 May Dedicate your energy towards work projects while you can because come mid-November, full focus turns more towards partnerships and collaborative efforts. From the 7th of the month, harmony flows in unions – stop and feel the love on the 13th. The next twelve months promise relationship growth: visualise exactly what you want now, Taurus. Celebrate your solo successes on the 3rd.…

I’m wrapped up whatever the weather Whether I’m in jeans and a T-shirt or a summer frock, there’s always one item of clothing that I’ll never leave the house without - a pair of winter mittens. But my thick snug gloves are no fashion statement. I have Raynaud’s phenomenon - it’s also often known as Raynaud’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disease or just Raynaud’s. It means my blood vessels are oversensitive to changes in the temperature. Whenever I’m cold, the blood vessels in my hands narrow, stopping blood flow from reaching the surface of my skin. It’s a nasty, tingling sensation, almost like putting your hand in deep snow, but not being able to pull it back out. And my fingertips turn black and blue. Though I was born with Raynaud’s, it…

Call a nurse! One night I was out with the girls celebrating a birthday and we’d decided to all dress up as naughty nurses. After a few drinks, one of the girls tripped over a step and twisted her ankle. It swelled up instantly so we decided to take her to hospital. What a sight! Ten women, dressed as nurses in A&E. Patients didn’t know whether to ask us for help or for our phone numbers! Grace, Liverpool Better shape up My boyfriend and I once went to a fancy dress party dressed as Sandy and Danny from Grease, complete with wigs. He was a huge fan of my tight trousers and his hand was glued to my bottom the whole way there. At the party I saw another Sandy…

I caught a glimpse of something metal It was Halloween, and my boyfriend, Jack Taylor, 22, and I were ready to celebrate. After a few drinks with our friends Amy and Michael, we caught a cab into Newcastle for our fun night out. ‘You look brilliant,’ I grinned to Jack, so impressed with his outfit. ‘Not as good as you!’ he winked. We’d all embraced fancy dress, with Amy and Michael dressed as prom king and queen corpses. I’d steered clear of a spooky witch or ghostly outfit, opting for a sexy mermaid look instead. I’d bought a green sequined top and skirt. I even had teal fishy contact lenses in and with my long dark hair, I really felt the part. I’d managed to persuade Jack to don a…

BORELY RECTORY, ESSEX Built in 1863, Borely Rectory’s reports of strange paranormal activities date back to the early 1900s, the earliest recorded sighting being that of a nun. According to local folklore, the nun fell in love with a monk from the monastery, and the pair attempted to elope together. But they were found and sentenced to death – the monk was sent to the gallows, while the nun was sealed into the walls of the nunnery alive. She is believed to have been seen on the grounds of the Rectory, looking for the monk. In 1928, Eric Smith and his wife moved into the Rectory and started hearing mysterious footsteps and doorbells ringing on their own. Paranormal investigator Harry Price was hired to conduct exorcisms, but in 1930, the…

Leak-free lotions I always keep my toiletries from leaking by covering the openings with cling film and then putting the lid on over that. Perfect for travelling! Diana Jacobs, Northampton Air-tight idea I always keep my flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients in air-tight containers. They last a lot longer that way and you avoid wasting stale food. Candice Morris, Carlisle Flea-free fix To get rid of fleas in your home, sprinkle a mixture of salt and baking soda into your carpets. Leave overnight and then vacuum up. Lorraine Hart, Surrey Do some high class cleaning Wear high heels when you clean the house – it’s a great workout and you’ll feel so glamorous! Eileen Reeves, Exeter A close shave Rubbing a blob of shaving cream on your feet does…

PESTOMACARONI CHEESE WITH LEEKS SERVES 2 YOU’LL NEED… 200g Macaroni 2 tbsp Sacla’ Classic Basil Pesto 1 tbsp olive oil 2 large leeks, sliced 25g Parmesan, grated 30g plain flour 30g butter 600ml milk Salt and pepper 100g mature cheddar, grated HOW TO DO IT… 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cook the pasta to your liking. 2. Drain well, return to the hot pan and toss together with the Sacla’ Pesto 3. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and cook the leeks for 10 minutes. Mix into the macaroni. Tip the flour, butter and 500ml milk into a large saucepan. 4. Place over a medium heat and stir continuously with a whisk for 5 - 10 mins until the sauce starts to…

Typical man, he’d completely forgotten The first message was just two words long: Beautiful smile. It was July 2013, and I’d just joined the internet dating site Plenty Of Fish. I replied to Paul Fletcher, and we were soon chatting. Both from Birmingham, he was a binman and I was a pub manager. I often get into bed at 4am, I messaged. I’m just going to work then, he joked. Paul was twice-divorced, and had three kids. I’d never made it down the aisle, and had no children. But opposites attract. We started speaking on the phone, and then, one day, a bloke came in to my pub in a high-vis jacket. It was Paul! ‘I’ve come from work - sorry, I haven’t showered,’ he said. But I didn’t care.…

Its teeth clamped around my legs Growing up, the ocean was my second home. I was snorkelling at five, and scuba- diving at 12. ‘A real water baby,’ my dad Danny called me. He and my mum, Linda, owned a dive shop together. At 18, I was thrilled to get a job with a company who ran dolphin tours. My dream job! After a year, I was allowed to take people out snorkelling with wild dolphins. ‘Don’t worry about sharks,’ I’d tell the tourists. Attacks were rare. Plus, the company always took the proper precautions. All guides had a shark shield strapped to their ankles – an antenna that repels sharks by sending electronic pulses through the water. One October morning, I pulled on my wetsuit as usual. I welcomed…

Q We regularly visit National Trust sites, but are looking for somewhere new to explore when the grandkids visit. Any ideas? Vanessa, Oxfordshire A The stunning Blenheim Palace is a great day out for all ages, with so much to explore! Within the palace, you can explore a range of state rooms and priceless collections, before exploring the 2,000 acres of parkland. With buggy tours, a miniature train ride and a play area, it’s the best of both worlds for fun and facts! The giant hedge maze is also a must – split into teams and see who can find the middle first. Q I’ve just had my second child, but I’d love to still be able to take my toddler on exciting days out! Do you have any ideas…

STAR SANDWICH SKEWERS Ingredients: 12 slices of Warburtons Milk Roll A little soft butter 2 slices cooked turkey 2 slices of Gruyere cheese Lettuce cut into small pieces ¼ cucumber, sliced 6 small cherry tomatoes 2 long wooden skewers (for children, cut the sharp ends off after making the skewers) Star cutter (or you could use another shape) Method: • Spread the 12 slices of bread with butter. • Top 6 of the slices with thin turkey slices and Gruyere cheese. • Place the buttered slices of bread on top of the cheese to make two sandwiches and lightly press down. • Using your star cutter, stamp out three stars from each of the sandwiches. • Thread a star sandwich, followed by a slice of cucumber, a little lettuce and…

Brushing my hair, I felt my left eye twitch. Ignoring it, I applied my lippy, but I couldn’t seem to purse my lips. I just put it down to tiredness. The next morning, I got up and had a cup of tea. But it just dribbled out of my mouth onto my chin... Looking at myself in the bathroom mirror, the left side of my face had dropped. ‘I look wonky!’ I cried to my husband Tony, 34. I couldn’t move my mouth on the left side. It felt frozen. ‘Let’s go to hospital,’ Tony said. At Colchester General Hospital, doctors suspected it was a stroke. But I felt fine. I had recently read up online about Bell’s palsy, a condition that causes temporary weakness of the muscles on one…

Sophisticated banquet Max has appeared on Masterchef, creating seared mealworms with a carrot reduction, a pumpkin seed jus and a sesame seed foam. One tequila, two tequila… El Maxo enjoying a burrito and a margarita at the local tequila night. Fast-food frenzy Buying some delicious treats from the local drive-thru Going potty Creating a masterpiece on the Great Pottery Throw Down…

FILM AND TV 1 What is the name of the clown in the horror film, IT? a Killjoy b Pennywise c Bubbles 2 Which TV family lives on Evergreen Terrace? a The Simpsons b The Sopranos c The Bradys 3 Who does actor William Roache play in Coronation Street? a Ken Barlow b Steve McDonald c Kevin Webster 4 Which Friends star played Gale Weathers in the 1996 film Scream? a Jennifer Aniston b Courtney Cox c Lisa Kudrow 5 Who is Claudia Winkleman’s co-host on Strictly Come Dancing? a Cat Deeley b Amanda Holden c Tess Daly 6 Which actress is due to take on the role of the Doctor in this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special? a Gemma Arterton b Jodie Whittaker c Kristin Scott Thomas SHOWBIZ 7…

His vampire looks were deceiving They say appearances can be deceptive. I couldn’t agree more. In June, our cat Peppy passed away. We’d adopted her from our local Blue Cross. She was elderly and disabled, but had lived a happy six years with us. We’ve always had cats, so a few months later, my husband Mike, 66, looked on the Blue Cross website. ‘There’s a black cat called Timmy. He’s been passed around, and has been at the centre for three months,’ Mike explained. ‘He has fangs.’ That would’ve stopped most people in their tracks, but not us. And when we met him, nine-year-old Timmy’s vampire look didn’t reflect his nature. He was so friendly and affectionate. ‘Lots of people are superstitious about black cats, and with Timmy’s gnashers, he…

He uses his voice to campaign With less than four weeks until our first baby was due, my husband Christopher, 30, and I were making the most of the peace. ‘Soon it’ll be sleepless nights,’ I joked. But we were so excited. On 27 January 2006, we went to meet my parents for lunch. Suddenly a car coming from the opposite direction tried to turn. But he did not see us coming. Christopher slammed on the brakes but we crashed into the passenger side of the car. ‘Are you ok?’ Christopher said. ‘I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe,’ I gasped. Someone called an ambulance and I sat in the car in shock. ‘I’m bleeding,’ I croaked. ‘My baby!’ Paramedics arrived and took me to hospital. I kept rubbing my belly…

Giant Prosecco Glass, £14.99, thepresentfinder.co.uk Despite looking like a normal champagne flute, this gigantic version will hold an entire bottle of everyone’s favourite sparkling wine. No more refills needed! Ladies Cable Pom Pom Hat, £12.99, heatholders.co.uk This winter essential not only boasts a toasty 3.4 TOG rating with unique thermal technology, but also comes in a stylish cable knit with a fluffy pom pom. Choose from black, cream, fawn, light grey, purple, or rose. Dog Towels, £6 each, Tiger stores Your furry friend will look adorable wrapped up in one of these fun towels after a wet winter walk. Perfect for after bath time too. Pretty Amazing Bag, £14.99, thepresentfinder.co.uk Perfect for carrying toiletries, this bag is sure to make a statement. Alternatively, add…

I wanted to take him to the beach one more time Even when he a puppy, I knew Walnut was special. The lovable young whippet was living with close friends of mine when I first met him back in 1998. Besotted, I walked him for them every so often. So, in 1999, when my friends announced they were moving abroad, they asked if I’d like to be Walnut’s new owner. ‘Why not?’ I grinned. I was nuts for that mutt! Within days of moving him in to my bachelor pad, it was clear that it was Walnut filling a hole in my life rather than the other way around. I’ve suffered with depression for years, and was going through a tough time back then. But having Walnut around gave me…

Dylan looked just like any other baby He may never grow up, just like Peter Pan Holding my newborn baby in my arms, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. ‘He’s perfect,’ I said to my husband Richard, 41. Such a relief. See, when I was pregnant with Dylan, a scan at 20 weeks revealed that his organs were reversed. The doctor explained it was rare, but not unheard of, and in many people it caused no symptoms at all. Still, it was hard not to worry, especially as another scan at 27 weeks showed Dylan was still very small for this point in the pregnancy. ‘It’s likely that he has a genetic condition,’ the doctor said. ‘But we won’t know until he’s delivered.’ I panicked and spent the rest…

Helping Others Q I’m healthy and rarely ill – do I really need the flu jab? Jenny, Winchester A It sounds as if you have a healthy immune system, which means you should be able to fight off flu easily. However, you could still spread the virus to others. People with weakened immune systems are at risk of complications if they catch flu. For them, the flu jab doesn’t give them full cover. The jab may cause mild discomfort to you, but it could help to protect someone else’s health by stopping them from coming into contact with the virus at all. Never too Early Q I’m thinking about giving my kids vitamins but I don’t know where to start. Carrie, Durham A Vitamins can be confusing. The key vitamins…

I booked us a two-week luxury holiday to Bulgaria I know what you’re thinking, Good for her, but it'll never happen to me! I used to think that, when I heard of people winning the bingo jackpot. I’ve always loved bingo. I used to go with friends to our local hall, but we all had such busy lives, we stopped going. So, 10 years ago, I signed myself up to Chat Mag Bingo. It was great being able to play at home whenever I liked. I play the Double Bubble slot game, and Tiki and Bejeweled 90-ball Bingo. It’s such brilliant fun, and I’ve scooped a few small wins over the years that I’ve been playing online. Then, in June 2011, I was enjoying playing on Tiki when a message…

She was the most beautiful little girl My husband Eddie, 44, and I had been trying for 18 long months when I found out that I was pregnant in December 2013. At 18 weeks, a scan told us the sex of our baby. We were having a girl! ‘I had a feeling it would be,’ I beamed. I already had two stepsons, Charlie, then 20, and Ben, 16, from a previous relationship. I loved them to bits, but I was ever so excited about having a little girl. Someone to dress in pretty clothes, take on shopping trips and spa days. A friend for life. We named her Lily Ivy and as my bump grew, I talked to my girl and bonded with her. I contracted strep B at 37…